Intelsat S.A., the world’s leading provider of satellite services, today announced that its board of directors has elected John W. Diercksen to serve on the board as an independent director effective today. Diercksen will also serve on the Audit Committee.

Diercksen is currently an executive vice president of Verizon Communications, with responsibility for key strategic initiatives related to the review and assessment of potential mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. At Verizon, he previously held the position of executive vice president, strategy, development and planning and was instrumental in forging Verizon’s strategy of technology investment, including repositioning its assets through the acquisition of spectrum. Earlier in his career, Mr. Diercksen held a number of senior financial and leadership positions at Verizon, Bell Atlantic, and NYNEX, among others. Mr. Diercksen brings a wealth of experience in the telecommunications, media and mobile communications sectors.

“We are delighted to have John join Intelsat’s board,” said David McGlade, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Intelsat. “With his background in telecommunications, strategic planning and public company experience, I look forward to his insight and perspective as we execute our strategy for meeting the future needs of our customers.”

Diercksen holds an MBA from Pace University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Iona College.